ENCOURAGES Synonyms: 201 Similar and Opposite Words

encourages

verb

Definition of encourages next

present tense third-person singular of encourage

as in inspires

to fill with courage or strength of purpose a pep talk that encouraged the team to get out there and win

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Relevance

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as in promotes

to help the growth or development of asserted that the government should be encouraging small businesses, not smothering them with regulations

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as in provokes

to rouse to strong feeling or action the movie's cheap special effects will not encourage audiences to sit on the edge of their seats but to roll in the aisles with laughter

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as in urges

to try to persuade (someone) through earnest appeals to follow a course of action the pastor continues to encourage the couple to work out their problems in hopes of saving their marriage

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of encourages Referred to as micro-celebrations, this trend encourages us to get together more frequently and, sometimes, just because. —

Wendy Rose Gould, Martha Stewart, 9 Apr. 2026 While Mars wants to sprint forward, Luna encourages strategy, discipline and pragmatism. —

Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 9 Apr. 2026 Pop-up markets celebrate local makers in Ballston, Navy Yard and Columbia Heights, while Rhizome encourages the community to trade their old records, VHS tapes and DVDs for something new. —

Fritz Hahn, Washington Post, 9 Apr. 2026 Warmer weather in Idaho encourages ants, termites, flies and other pests to start swarming, according to Cascade Pest Control, a Pacific Northwest pest control company. —

Hali Smith april 8, Idaho Statesman, 8 Apr. 2026 The concrete structure’s open layout encourages meandering discovery, with works chosen to reveal new affinities and connections across cultures and centuries. —

Leah Ollman, Los Angeles Times, 8 Apr. 2026 The spirits industry has long supported federal guidelines and encourages responsible consumption throughout the year. —

Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 8 Apr. 2026 Whether traveling to Nepal or any foreign country, the State Department encourages all international travelers to sign up for its free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). —

Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 8 Apr. 2026 The program encourages clubs to bring top-100 prospects to the big leagues early by rewarding them with a draft pick based on the player’s finish in major awards voting. —

Stephen J. Nesbitt, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for encourages

Verb

Perreault’s emergence inspires hope that the Rangers have at least one young forward to build their top six around.

— Vincent Z. Mercogliano, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe.

— Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 7 Apr. 2026